Opinion

Certain senior programs can also benefit younger people

By JOANN ERENHOUSE
From 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. on May 21 at the Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock, Vermont there will be a Kick-Off for the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group. There is a growing number of older Vermonters who are finding themselves in the role of parenting once again. This can be a very rewarding experience for both the child and the grandparent. But let’s face it we are not as young and agile as we were the first time around. Finding others in the same situation, learning about resources, and making new friends to share ideas with is what this is all about. So, if you are a grandparent in this situation just stop in — no registration is necessary. You will be happy you did.

Also, a note to the public. Many of the programs we connect older Vermonters with are also available to younger, disabled people. So, please call our Help Line at 802-885-2669 and we will see what we can do to help with medical insurance, water aerobics, 3SquaresVT, and other health benefits.

Medicare Boot Camp is ongoing once a month. Call now to sign up before you have to make those tough decisions about health insurance plans. Call 802-885-2669 and select a date to attend.

We have set up a new office in White River Junction. We have also added staff. So, now we have our Elder Justice grant Team of Gary Schall, Jose’ Maldonado, and Brittany Cavacas, plus two case managers, and a member of our Help Line will be there three days a week. This will give Senior Solutions more ability to serve the Upper Valley. Anyone up in that region can call 802-885-2669 to ask about signing up for 3SquaresVT, Medicaid, Medicare Boot Camp, Caregiver Respite, Friendly Visitor Volunteering, and other issues concerning older Vermonters.

On June 11, our nurse/case manager, Anne, will be at the Bellows Falls Senior Center at 11 a.m. doing Free Blood Pressure screenings and presenting the Home Meds screening program. She will make follow up individual appointments to complete the analysis of medications could cause you harmful side effects. She will also screen you for other possible benefits. This is all free to anyone over 60 in Windham and Windsor County. She hopes to see a lot of people at the Bellows Falls Senior Center on June 11!

Look on the Falls Area Community TV site and watch the interview with children’s author, Maggie Kemp about her gardening system. No need to roto-till or weed!

Volunteer Meals on Wheels drivers are still needed in all communities. Please call 802-885-2655 and ask for Catherine. Just give whatever time you can spare. You can email: [email protected] 

 

Joann Erenhouse is the community relations director for Senior Solutions, Southeastern Vermont Council on Aging.

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